My Vintage Blankie

Love, Hope and Peace

2011-12-25T05:02:00.000-08:00

Christ loves us so much...he came to us as a babe. He's our hope and salvation. This is something for me not to think about only for today but something to ponder everyday for the rest of my life.

May the baby Jesus lying in the crib in the stable...dwell in your heart today and for always.

Merry Christmas! Peace.

Right on Schedule

2011-12-21T21:33:00.000-08:00

We finally got the house all dressed up for Christmas. Cards and Packages are in the mail. Presents are wrapped. Now...I've got to bake some cookies and set the table for Christmas Eve. Feeling right on Schedule.

Sunday Afternoon Stroll

2011-10-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

We took the dogs for a walk and the scent of fall is in the air. I can't wait for the dryer cooler weather. Within a few weeks I anticipate a palette of splendor!

All Is Not Lost

2011-10-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

I had just planted my mums in the planter and set them outside near the side door. Yesterday....We had our oil tank filled and for some reason the oil man decided the hose that fills the oil tank should be positioned right on top of my mums. I found it curious...why the hose couldn't be positioned on the ground somewhere next to the planter? It was not to be. I gathered the broken stems...put them in an old glass Adirondack milk bottle and set them on the window sill. I guess all was not lost.

Today I'll be linking with The Colorado Lady for Vintage Thingy Thursday.

10,000 angels with lanterns to light my way back home

2011-10-05T02:30:00.000-07:00

Mom's angel she had displayed in her front yard. Now it's in my yard.

While watching EWTN one evening...I heard a story about a woman. Monetarily...she had nothing. She lived in a home with dirt floors but she was rich in her faith. Upon her death....she was unable to leave money or assets to her children but she left them the greatest gift of all. Her faith.

I was born into the Catholic faith. I received a Catholic education and the Sacraments. Most of my life I've attended mass on a regular basis. I considered myself a practicing Catholic or so I thought. I was going through the motions and pretty much it stopped there.

Since...my mother passed away a year ago...I've started a journey. I pray this spiritual journey will last for the rest of my life. This question was asked of me last year. If you don't know Jesus...then how can you love him? I'm hopeful and excited that with perseverance through prayer, Sacred Scripture study, learning about the saints, practicing the Sacraments...especially regularly receiving the Holy Eucharist ...I'll come to better know our Father by strengthening my relationship with him.

Did you know the saints had struggles and faults of their own?  That's the wonderful thing about Sainthood. God uses their lives as examples for us. Even with their human shortcomings and trials ..... they became Saints and we're inspired by them. My Catholic faith challenges us all to become saints.

My mom didn't force her beliefs on to anyone but she was there to discuss them if you wanted to. I wish...I was at the same place in my faith journey when she was a live as I am now. What opportunities I missed for some lovely conversation with her. What I could have learned!

I'm blessed to have her bible though. As I read through it ....I can see parts of Scripture that she highlighted and drew stars around. I sometimes feel uncomfortable....that I'm trespassing into what were her inner most personal thoughts, struggles and joys in her journey with Christ but maybe that's His plan. Maybe...with those bookmarked pages and highlighted words of Scripture...she's accompanying me in spirit on my journey.
I can choose to believe this or not.  I choose to believe. A gift of faith.   ~amy

10,000 angels with lanterns to light my way back home.
Will you be glad if I come back home?
Long time I've been away.
Is it true?
Can I come back today?
~Aaron Thompson

'10,000 Angels' from the album 10,000 Angels

Little Suitcases and Fabric Yo Yo's

2011-09-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

I'll be linking with The Colorado Lady for Vintage Thingy Thursday.

It's time to share with you some of my vintage finds from this summer.

How sweet are these suitcases? What did the child who owned these use them for? Did she use them to pack her clothes in on her way to grandmas's house? Did she use them to store her toys? Did she use them to store her doll clothes? Now....I picture these treasures in a vintage decorated nursery stacked up on a shelf or displayed with a doll collection?

I also found a bag full of fabric vintage yo yo's. I thought...hmmm what to do with these? I bought them and I knew exactly what I'd do with them.

Decorate lampshades? Yep!

On a previous trip... I bought this vintage ceramic nursery lamp. It came without a shade. I was puzzled on what to use for a shade.....until I brought those yo yo's home and a match was made in heaven!

There once was an old woman.....

2011-09-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

who lived in a shoe. She had so many children...she didn't know what to do.

Today I'm joining Suzanne at The Colorado Lady for Vintage Thingy Thursday.

I picked up this 50's night light from an adorable antique shop called The Red Barn Antiques. Unfortunately...hurricane Irene has forced this adorable shop in Upper Jay, NY to close for good. Upper Jay is in the beautiful Adirondack mountains.... this pretty little hamlet was devastated from the storm. It'll take some time for them to rebuild and recover.
I'll rewire the light so it's again in good working condition.

Blessings by Laura Story

2011-09-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

I hope you can read the lyrics to this profoundly beautiful song by Laura Story. Her words are something to ponder.

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching(s) of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Vintage Cute

2011-08-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my favorite finds from this summer. What fun I had searching for treasures. Can you guess what these are?

They're made in Japan.

I was told that they're hat stands.

Pretty cute...huh?

I'll be linking to Vintage Thingy Thursday hosted by Suzanne at Colorado Lady.

I hope you're enjoying the last days of summer.

Sunset on Lake Ontario

2011-08-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

The end of summer

Like a sunset

Silent

Peaceful

Fading away

I went up for a few days to Niagara on the Lake, Canada with my daughter and her friend. My best friend from high school met us there and we had a wonderful visit. So much time has passed by but we're still so comfortable and at ease with one another.

This year I'm not ready for summer to end.

Arrived in Dublin

2011-08-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

I'm not really a city girl. I love the countryside and its quaint country towns. Dublin couldn't compare to the lush green rolling hills, the colorful cottages and the emerald sea thrashing against the rocky shores of Ireland's countryside but it was wonderful to visit and learn it's history. We arrived in Dublin just in time for 10:00 o'clock morning mass. The mass was beautiful and we were lucky enough to see a choir that was visiting from Norway!

The rest of the day we walked and bus toured Dublin. Below are a few of the last pictures we took from our trip to Ireland. Tomorrow morning we'll fly back home.

In lovely St. Mary's church

The typical pub

A bridge designed after Ireland's beloved harp

The typical tour bus

The Streets

Molly Malone

I'll miss you Ireland. ~amy

Tomorrow We'll Be In Dublin....

2011-07-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

but before leaving we have a few more things to do in Adare.

Like...we had a little bit more shopping to do.

Tea anyone?

Horseback riding.

A castle tour. It's all in the detail.

Ireland IS as pretty as a picture!

Sweet harp music!

Thank you Lady Adare for your hospitality.

Again...it was a full day of adventure.

Tomorrow we'll see you in Dublin before we head back home.

Dingle and the Dingle Peninsula

2011-07-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

Our days are winding down in Ireland and one of the last sights we opted to see was the town of Dingle in the county Kerry. Dingle is a quaint town that sits on the shores of the sea. From there we headed back to Adare driving along the Dingle Peninsula. The sky was blue. Driving along the shore and seeing the emerald colored water was breathtaking.

Family.

I had to get a picture of the car in front of us. Actually...it was the car that my brother and his family rented and we followed him most of the time traveling through out the country. It was a familiar scene.

An Unforgettable Irish Morn in Ireland

2011-07-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

I woke up, opened the bedroom window and looked out. The air was fresh as an Irish Spring and the day couldn't have been more stunning. I couldn't get dressed fast enough so I could walk the grounds of the manor. An unforgettable morning in Ireland.

Cliffs of Moher...Our Journey Continues

2011-07-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Cliffs of Moher

The cliffs of Moher, in Ireland

have green grasses on their tops.

A velvet mat of grasses

on 700 foot of rock.

The winds and waters carved 'em,

at their base Atlantic coast,

and of all my Irish scenery

I love these cliffs the most.

Oh, I loved a lass from Shannon,

and a beautiful girl was she,

and I loved her like these cliffs,

but, she ha' no thoughts of me.

So I stand atop these rugged rocks,

tormented high and low,

and think my quiet thoughts of her,

and down to where I'll go...

Willie D. Welch

The cliffs were breathtaking. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. So far I think they might have been the favorite of my Irish sights.

Adare, Ireland....Our Journey Continues

2011-06-29T04:31:00.000-07:00

Irish cottages were historically the homes of farm workers and laborers, but in recent years the term has assumed a romantic connotation especially when referring to cottages with thatched roofs.

Adare, Ireland....Our Journey Continues

2011-06-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

On day three in Ireland we went to Galway University. We walked around the grounds and I saw this Harry Potterish statue. At least I thought it was reminiscent of Harry Potter but my nephews and daughter's didn't think twice about it and so it goes.....

I thought the architecture on campus was lovely with the arched windows and the exterior walls covered in vines.

Galway City was bustling with people shopping and dining out.

We visited St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church. It's the largest medieval parish church in Ireland and is still in constant use.

After traveling back 1 1/2 hours to our lovely villa in Adare Manor...we ate dinner. Then we ended the night going for a nightcap at the castle. Here is my brother and husband singing a duet together. What a day!

Adare, Ireland....Our Journey Continues

2011-06-14T04:47:00.000-07:00

Our second day in Ireland was quite eventful and we enjoyed ourselves. The weather today is in the low 60's and sunny.

We started the day doing a little shopping at Blarney Woolen Mills in the county of Cork.

They have everything you could imagine to buy. Yes....they even have wool yarn.

In town I passed by this butcher shop. It was so clean and pretty.

After shopping we needed to find a place to relax and eat lunch. So we stopped here.

The pub is just as cute on the inside as the outside! I snapped a picture of the family. We'll meet up with brother number two and his family tonight.

After lunch we headed out to the Blarney Castle for some sightseeing.

Here's the Blarney castle. We'll be climbing up it in order to kiss the Blarney Stone.

I couldn't take a bad picture if I tried.

My daughter kissing the Blarney Stone. Legend has it....if you kiss the stone you acquire the gift of gab. If you've never kissed the stone before.... you need to lay on the ground on your back while holding on to steel bars The opening under you is a couple hundred feet drop. The opening has a few bars extending from side to side to prevent you

from falling trough.

The Blarney House. Was built after the Blarney Castle.

Apparently...the original castle was outdated as far as castles go.

Before we left the grounds of the Barney Castle...I just had to take one more picture.

Our drive back into the manor.

To Adare, Ireland....Our Journey

2011-06-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

Good morning to you. We arrived in Dublin at 5:15 AM this morning. We're tired but are very excited to start our vacation in Ireland. We'll be traveling to the picturesque town of Adare which is about a 2.5 hour drive from Dublin. We rented a car for the week. Adare will be our home base and from there we'll take day trips driving to various sights in the Southwest portion of Ireland. Apparently.....we'll experience beautiful coastal scenes. My brother and his family took the same flight as us into Dublin. We'll each rent our own cars and we'll hook up with brother number two and his family tomorrow evening in Adare. We'll be staying at the villas in Adare Manor.

Here is my nephew waiting at Dan Dooley's car rental.

As we traveled through Dublin to the highway or the carriage road as they say...we spot the the typical row house.

The entrance to Adare Manor where we'll be staying for the next 6 nights.

Our home away from home.

The next few pics are some of the lovely scenes of Adare Manor's grounds.

I'm very excited to see my first pub in charming Adare. I can't get over the vibrant colors of the buildings.

The weather today is off and on rain and sun. Here's a picture approaching the main street.

One of the many thatched roofed houses in the village.

Lunch time at the pub. My first taste of Guiness.

The soup tasted heavenly and the brown soda bread is very, very good.

We ended the night at another pub called Murphy's and listened to Irish music. I'm pooped and looking forward to a goodnights rest. I can't wait to get started tomorrow.

Pray For Mona's Daughter

2011-05-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

I haven't been blogging for awhile but yesterday while visiting my blogging friends...I came across Mona's most recent post from Wsprsweetly of Cottages. She asked for all of our prayers. Her dear sweet daughter Sandy is ill. Please pray for Mona's daughter Sandy.

~ How Great Thou Art ~

An Irish Blessing For You....

2011-03-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Wishing you this Irish Blessing. I'm not Irish but I celebrate it like I was and on a lighter note...as you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction! Happy St. Patrick's Day! ~amy

The Perfect Recipe

2011-02-24T06:12:00.000-08:00

I looked out of the window yesterday morning and saw an unwelcome fresh blanket of snow. It was the kind of snow that was heavy and made shoveling treacherous. Yesterday...I couldn't be bothered one more second with the white stuff nor with winter for that matter.

Today was different. This morning when I looked out of the window...I saw winter at its best! The snow was still on the ground from yesterday but this morning there was a sunny white haze coupled with delicate ice crystals flocked on each branch and a clear blue sky. It was the perfect recipe for splendor and a sight to behold! I seized the moment, grabbed my camera and shot a few pics. It was the kind of day that only God could make!

The Mess

2011-02-02T14:01:00.000-08:00

It's a nasty mess outdoors. Between the ice, snow and wind it's enough to make me shutter each time I look out of the window! The mess outside prompted me

to make an old favorite for dinner.

Beautiful peppers, onions,

asparagus,

ham, eggs and cheese. Mix them all together on this very messy evening and you get this mess. Now that's my kind of mess!

MONKS MAKE, DONATE CASKET FOR YOUNGEST VICTIM IN ARIZONA SHOOTING

2011-01-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

I found this story today on a blog called "Joan's Rome" linked to the EWTN website, and I thought I’d share it with you: “A group of Trappist monks in Iowa have donated a handmade casket to bury 9-year-old Christina Green, the youngest victim in the Saturday attack that killed six and wounded 13 others in Arizona.
“Sam Mulgrew, the general manager of Trappist Caskets in Peosta, Iowa, told CNN a family representative of the Greens reached out to the monks at New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque after her death. The custom-made casket arrived in Tucson, Arizona, Wednesday morning. ‘We didn't want to send an adult coffin that would be too big, we wanted something just for her,’ said Mulgrew, who is not a monk but who manages the 11-year-old casket business that is part of the abbey.
“The casket, crafted from red oak, was made especially for 9-year-old Christina, Mulgrew said. She died after a gunman opened fire at a constituents event held by U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was critically wounded in the shooting. Christina's funeral is scheduled for Thursday in Tucson. “The lid of the casket was inscribed with her name, date of birth and death, and a cross. The family also will receive five small keepsake crosses hewn from the same wood as the casket, Mulgrew said. Before the casket was sent from the monastery in Iowa to Arizona, the monks gave the casket a special blessing inside their chapel on Tuesday.
“The monks are Roman Catholic and are part of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. They make and sell custom caskets with "reverence for nature," according to the Trappist Caskets website." Along with prayer and study, our casket ministry is an extension of our sacred work. We labor quietly with our hands in support of our life of simplicity," says a statement on the website.
“Mulgrew said when a child dies it hits the monks particularly hard. He said they don't like to sell children's caskets; instead, a "child casket fund" they started often covers the costs.”

Blogger Uploaded Picture Correctly In Old Editor

2010-12-27T18:48:00.000-08:00

Well...I went back to using old editor and I uploaded the same picture that was uploading sideways on Blogger new editor and the picture positioned correctly. At least now I know... that if my pictures aren't uploading correctly...I can go back and post in old editor and that should take care of the picture uploading sideways problem.

Blogger.....Pictures Uploading Sideways

2010-12-27T05:42:00.000-08:00

I'm frustrated and I'm wondering is any one else having problems uploading their pictures to Blogger? Any suggestions or tricks that you have come up with to rectify this unfortunate dilemma? Help!

Oh....how I wanted to show you my elf tree! Just tilt your head sideways. Click on to it for a larger sideways image. ~amy

Christmas Evening Stillness

2010-12-26T07:21:00.000-08:00

The family is in the den playing Dance Wii. I'm about to bring dinner out to the table.

Taking just a moment before Christmas dinner to reflect and being thankful for everything that I've been blessed with. Wishing your heart the warmth of Christmas peace. ~amy

This Christmas Eve...From My House To Yours

2010-12-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

It's been said that until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display...so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow. It isn't the tree not the firelight's glow.

It's the warmth that comes to your heart.

Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.

Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas.

Not Just For Display

2010-12-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's been said that someone else's trash is another person's treasure. I certainly find this to be true.

My eclectic vintage collection of Christmas plates, cups, crystal glasses and silver were enthusiastically and lovingly obtained from garage sales and thrift shops. Between their age, history, detail and beauty they're fit for a King. These vintage treasures aren't for eyes only but are actually used. I'm honored to be able to use them each and every Christmastime for entertaining with family and friends. I hope you enjoy glancing at them.

Somewhere Between Thanksgiving And Christmas

2010-11-26T05:05:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving day dinner is over and now anticipation for Christmas has begun. I hope you had a lovely day yesterday and you were blessed to spend it with those that you love. Our day with each other centered around preparing good food along with good conversation. This year we ate dinner early in the afternoon and the rest of the day we simply relaxed, watched movies, ate and drank. It was overcast, cold and windy outside. The kind of day to cozy up around a blazing fire. It was the perfect day!

I have so much to thank God for...a wonderful family, friendships, a roof over our heads, good food, my continuous journey for a stronger faith, hope and love.

While the hustle and bustle of this Christmas season has officially begun....let me always be aware that the decorating, baking, entertaining and gift giving is all done in anticipation for the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ. Wishing you joy and peace in your preparations for this Christmas Season. ~amy

Happy Birthday Patty

2010-11-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

I hope you like the music I accompanied with your birthday post.

It brings back memories...doesn't it?

It was wonderful seeing you this weekend.

I hope you have a lovely day

and

a spectacular year!

I love you.

Your sister,

~amy

Dreamy Sunset In The Valley

2010-11-16T06:01:00.000-08:00

Here in the valley the hues on the trees have all but faded but the sunsets are bursting with color. The soft, warm and gentle light of Autumn evenings will give way shortly. Here's a glimpse of our Autumn sunset.

Sweet Mommy ~ My Friend.

2010-11-07T03:26:00.000-08:00

At best this last month has been challenging for myself and my family. My sweet mom passed away after a ten day illness.   Her void is numbing to me and I'm thankful that with the grace of God my pain will ease as the days drift on.

What I find difficult now though....is not being able to grieve with her as I always had when a loved one passed. It was therapeutic for both of us. Now I grieve without her.

I have observed her throughout my life and she had taught me well.  She was strong for my dad when he was ill and even stronger in rebuilding her life without him.  She was simple with her possessions but extravagant with her personal relationships which included her love for Our Lord, the Virgin Mary, her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.  She went to church, studied the bible, belonged to a prayer group, volunteered, belonged to her seniors group and still lunched with her same bunch of friends that she knew as a child.  When my youngest daughter was 2 years old and choking on a piece of candy....while I was frazzeled...she calmly, quickly and meticulously picked her up, held her upside down by her feet and hit her on the back. The candy came spewing out. She saved my daughter's life. I would say her life was full in every way.

I think my sister put it so lovely. "Mom was our first love and it's hard to say goodbye".

As we sat with her as she was fading away like the morning dew from this life into the next....I couldn't help but think. "Be not afraid. You shall see the face of God and live". Her spirit will live in my heart forever.   I love you mommy. ~amy

If you don't vote....

2010-11-02T04:45:00.000-07:00

then you can't complain. We've been blessed to have the right to vote. Embrace it!!

This wonderful image of a vintage voting machine was taken from dreamstime.com. Thank you!

Pennsylvania Rt. 655

2010-09-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

Riding down Rt. 655 this afternoon was a lovely way to spend one of the last fleeting weekends of summer. It's starting to look like Autumn for sure but the warmth of the sunshine still echoes of summer.

Our first stop was at Natural Designs ~ Floral Studio and Gardens...a little gem tucked away up a winding country road. Owner Sally Yoder was gracious and her unique floral arrangements are really lovely. If you're interested... she offers workshops in floral arrangements. Visit her at Natural Designs Studio for directions and more information.

Some more of her pretties.

Rt. 665 is a thoroughfare for the Amish and Mennonite communities.

I consider myself privileged to be able to witness snippets of their daily life.

Working the fields.

Amazing!

We ended up at the charming Brookmere Winery where we participated in a wine tasting. We visited with the owners who generously explained to us their experiences of owning a vineyard and winery.

It was a perfect afternoon to spend with my husband as sultry summer days come to an end and gives way to cooler days bursting with color. ~amy

Taking Notice

2010-09-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

When I'm driving I usually take notice of the lovely architecture of the homes in my small town of Pennsylvania. While strolling through town today not only did I marvel at the pretty homes and the beautiful historic buildings but I took notice of those architectural elements that are part of one's landscaping. Those details that some how go unnoticed. Please stroll along with me and let me show you what I mean.

My Vermont Find

2010-08-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

While we were on vacation...we visited a wonderful antique shop in Stowe, Vermont. I saw this old bucket that once was used to collect tree sap for maple syrup and I knew I was in love. Someone had painted a quaint winter scene on the face of it. Immediately I thought...this would be great on the front porch in the winter stuffed with pine boughs and cones. I hope you like it as much as I do! ~amy

I'll be linking to Vintage Thingy Thursday hosted by Suzanne at Colorado Lady. Go over... visit and see every one's vintage treasures.

We're back from vacationing up in the Adirondack's....

2010-08-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

and we had a wonderful time! The first night we went to a community play that took place in the local upholstery shop by day and the 'Recovery Lounge' by night. The name of the play was called 'The Real West' and it kept our attention for sure. It was a fun night.

The next day we headed out for a hike up Whiteface Mountain. It was a glorious day and the top of the mountain was a comfortable 66 degrees while at the base it was in the sweltering 90's. It felt so good up there and the views were clear and grand!

Here we are making our way up.

Tah Dah!!! We made it to the peak!

The girls posing at the base of the mountain.

On Wednesday we hiked in Keene, NY. It was a shorter hike but this time there weren't any railings to help us up. I thought this hike was more difficult even though it was far shorter in distance. Here's a picture of the girl's after our hike.

On Thursday we took a ferry to Vermont and enjoyed a day of sightseeing and shopping. Definitely a must for us girls. We started off at the local country store.

It was cute as a button on the outside

and inside. We picked up some local maple syrup.

We dropped the girls off at the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream factory (that's B & G's sign in the distance) and my husband and I went to the antique store across the street! A good trade off for me. I picked up some treasures that I can't wait to show you!! One of my fav finds was an old vintage maple sap bucket that someone had painted a Vermont winter scene on the front of it. I'm picturing it on my front porch this winter stuffed with boughs!

Then we headed up the street to The Trapp Family Lodge. You remember The Sound of Music Trapp Family? This is where they moved to when they left Austria.

The Trapp Family Lodge

and one of the many paintings inside the lodge.

A picture I took while heading back to New York State via ferry.

I can't go on any vacation without taking pictures of lovely cottages.

Not only did I think this porch was charming but I love the idea of the ski's hanging on the ski rack. Another idea I hope to steal and use on our cabin's porch some day.

I have a soft spot for window boxes. So pretty!

I hope you're enjoying your summer. I can't believe how hot it's been! I hate to mention it....but I'm seeing leaves changing color and starting to fall already. I think the change of seasons is bitter sweet. ~amy

Porch Rocking Chair

2010-07-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

On our front porch my husband and I sit on our rockers after he comes home from work. We enjoy a glass of wine before dinner and talk about the days activities. It's a special time for us to reconnect. Enjoying nature's beauty from our porch sheltered from the hot evenings sun and good conversation is a simple pleasure for sure. I don't take these simple pleasures for granted. I treasure them. Daniel S. McTaggart explains lovely in this poem.

Old Chair on the Porch

of all the rocking chairs on that porch
the old one was the one

everybody fought to sit in

even though the other two

were brand new

with flowered cushions and pads

the old one wobbled and creaked

and paint flaked off in chips

both large and small

yet somehow it molded

to the comfort of those

who managed to win its seat

maybe they weren't aware

of paint flecks sticking to their clothes

after they left the porch

but talks they had over lemonade

from that old chair made sure

they took a piece of it with them anyway

Backroads ~ A Family Reunion

2010-07-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

We had a terrific and fun week at Montana's Glacier National Park. We had a family reunion and we all participated in an active travel vacation through 'Backroads'. The 'Backroads' staff put up and took down our tents. They cooked and did the dishes for us. They were superb guides. They cheered us on!! They played games with us and were positive, knowledgeable, personable and energetic all the while. They really did their best to accommodate us!

We traveled cross country by train to get there.

In the park we toured by boat.

We hiked.

We biked.

The kids went horseback riding.

We participated in skits.

Some went whitewater rafting.

We played games.

We ate

and ate.

We socialized.

We never got our fill of the magestic scenery.

Some slept in tee pees.

We all slept in tents.

We saw moose.

We saw bear.

We saw elk and

...mountain goat.

After our goodbys...we boarded a plane back home and brought back with us priceless memories. Thank you Craig and Lori for making this trip happen!!

~Old Porch Swing~

2010-06-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

Another one of life's simplest but greatest pleasures is sitting on our porch swing. I think

Tamara Dicus Hillman explains it beautifully in her poem. She writes:

----Old Porch Swing----

Some folks might say – about our swing,

"It’s just an old and rusting thing,"

but I remember all the ways

that old porch swing would fill our days

Upon that swing now hanging still,

moon rising o’er the distant hill,

Mama rested – sipping tea,

and sang sweet lullabies to me

With silent rocking, dreams were sough

on summer days when it was hot,

games we played while resting there,

chess and checkers moved on squares

Women gathered ‘round the swing'

to share the latest gossiping,

while sewing patches on our jeans,

or maybe popping garden beans

Men returning from the field

would wait there for the evening meal,

at end of day – their work complete,

old Rex, our dog, lay at their feet

Granny, sometimes shedding tears,

recalling friends lost through the years,

would pass the hours on our porch

swinging gently back and forth

We courted on that creaking swing,

first love softly blossoming,

sneaking kisses in the night

veiled in shadows of moonlight

Worn and weathered that old seat

has served us well – its use replete,

we now rock babes with curly hair,

soothing them with loving care

Remembering yet those days of old,

in summer heat or winter cold,

how we chanced to tarry there

making memories we could share.

Vermont Wildflower Farm ~ To You It's Just Another Flower

2010-06-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

....but to me these pretties are glorious! I'm in complete awe of their beauty. We visited the Vermont Wildflower Farm a few years ago and I bought this wonderful seed. You can be sure their seed hasn't any unwanted fillers. Finally...this past April my dear husband dug out a bed for them. We planted an abundance of seed and now this is the beginning of the fruit of our labor. I hope you enjoy looking at them! Have a lovely weekend!! ~amy

Piecing Together Our Adirondack Cabin

2010-06-23T03:57:00.000-07:00

We've been working on a plan for the small cabin up on our land in the Adirondacks. Here's a plan of the main level. The part of this plan I'm excited about the most is....the oversized screened in porch on the front of the house. From inside you'll be able to get onto the porch from the 2 french doors and those same doors will provide us with a lovely view of the mountains. We plan on using that outdoor space/room a whole lot. Do you notice inside there's a window to the left of the stair landing? We're planning in the future to make that window into a door that will lead into a master bedroom on the main floor but that'll have to wait until retirement days. If you have any suggestions or ideas I would love to hear them. Nothing is set in stone yet. That's the beauty of the planning phase. Right now....we're working on the upstairs plan. I'll show you that plan when we get it drawn up and then onto drawing the plan for the walk out basement. It's a small structure but we're trying to make it functional but still roomy. If you'd like to see all of the posts concerning the process of making our dream cabin into a reality...please click onto 'Cabin/Cottage' under labels on the sidebar.

I thought it was just an ordinary day....

2010-06-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

...until I saw this vibrant color combination in my kitchen. Finding beauty in an ordinary day is there just for the pickin.

Have an ordinary lovely day! ~amy

Piecing A Cabin Together

2010-06-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Well....it's that time of year again when I start talking to you about our cabin plans. Just to recap a little.....we have some land up in the Adirondack's in Northern New York State. That's where we want to build our small vacation home.

Here's the land

....and here is some wonderful and I mean wonderful vintage fabric I found at a yard sale last summer. Look at those WOW graphics and vibrant colors!

I took a quilting class that my friend Pam taught at the new fabric shop in town called 'Stitches'. I made this table runner to match my vintage fabric. It was my first experience at quilting and it was a lot of fun!

I found a set of these adorable juice glasses to match

...and I found this painting of bird feathers.

Here's everything grouped together.

Additionally...I'd like to have a farmers sink in the kitchen and use the vintage fabric as curtains below it. I'd like distressed stained red cabinets and some open shelving to put the red cherry and rooster juice glasses in. I'm hoping for a big chunky wooden kitchen table to put the table runner on. Not quite sure where the painting will hang but one thing I know for sure is that it'll match. I hope you'll find this journey of piecing together our dream cabin fun. I look forward to your input. ~amy

Summer Strollin

2010-06-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

While strollin on a sunny, sultry Saturday afternoon I came across a free concert. How fun and what a treat for anyone that just happened to pass by this house. What a great way for friends to play music together and it beats playing in the garage! Have a lovely weekend. ~amy

Everything Is Coming Up Roses

2010-06-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at the bus stop waiting for my daughter to come home from school this afternoon and I looked out of my cars sideview mirror.

I marveled at my neighbors pretty roses.

I'm proud of my pretties too!

My neighbors rose trellis is breathtaking don't you think?

It occured to me that everything is coming up roses today!

~amy

2010-06-01T02:30:00.000-07:00

It couldn't have been a more perfect weekend. The sun was out. The sky was blue. The temps were warm. We pretty much relaxed, ate and hung out on the porch. Saturday we cooked corn on the cob for the first time this season and later that evening we went into town for some soft ice cream. On Sunday Kurt made his cucumber salad and on Memorial day we grilled marinated squash, peppers and onions. On these hot days it's nice to eat lighter.

My roses are in full bloom now. Their sweet scent makes sitting on the porch delightful.

The dogs were in heaven sniffing and roaming the yard. They love it when we're outside with them. Sunday afternoon they even got to play a little bit of frisbee with us.
My daughter's and I wrapped up the weekend by watching the very first three episodes of 'LOST'.

It's been a wonderful start to the summer season. I hope you had a lovely weekend too!
~amy

In Grateful Remembrance

2010-05-31T04:20:00.000-07:00

Morning Shadows

2010-05-28T05:22:00.000-07:00

The shadows at 6:30 in the morning looked soft and delicate. I'll take notice this evening and I'm sure they'll be more pronounced and crisper. Have a perfect day. ~amy

Good Morning Sunshine

2010-05-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

I know this isn't an earth shattering post but this is the first morning in over 2 weeks that I'm waking up to sunshine! I've missed it and I'm feeling happy!

I Couldn't Resist

2010-05-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

I happened to see this very pretty vintage brooch on Etsy and I had to buy it for my daughter. She just completed her first year in college majoring in Music Education. She plays the violin.

I wrapped it up and

she opened it. Isn't it sweet? She loved it and she pinned it inside of her violin case.

2010-05-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

In celebrating Mother's Day...I would like to share with you the latest picture I have with my 2 lovely daughters. This was taken on friday evening. My daughter to the right was having her 9th grade social and my daughter to the left just came home a few hours earlier from college for the summer. I'm very lucky indeed to have my wonderful girls. They're both blessings and to my mom and sister I would like to say that 'I love you'.

Happy Mother's Day to you my dear friends!

~amy

2010-05-06T06:36:00.000-07:00

Typically...this time of year I'm hosing down the front porch floor, laying down my outdoor carpet and then putting my rocking chairs, table and lamp out.

This year I have to be a little patient.

We have a visitor.

When she hear's me coming to the front porch...she's on her way!

She doesn't go to far away from her nest.

She's always watching and waiting for me to leave so she can get back to her business.

Doesn't she look beautiful and peaceful up there?

I've managed to get a few things out though.

I bought this pretty metal mesh door basket and added some flowers and twigs to it.

The flowers are fake of course.

I added real geraniums to these pretty clay pots that were made in Germany.

I hope she lays those little eggs soon.

I'm itching to do more.

~Hello~

2010-04-24T06:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a jammed packed couple of weeks. This coming week I need to tell you everything that I've been up to.

The early arrival of spring has been a welcome change. I don't think I've ever noticed a more beautiful one. The hues are dreamy.

I hope you have a colorful weekend.

I'm glad to be back and I missed you!

~amy

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

We woke up early this morning and headed out to 8:30 mass. The weather was a glorious 70 degrees and sunny!

I prepared Easter lunch. This year it was only the four of us here for Easter but having my daughter home from school was a treat in itself.

Below are a few pics of what we had on our Easter table.

Everything was set on this lovely tablecloth given to me by my mom many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Barcley lived next door to us when I was growing up. They were originally from Scotland and they went back to visit family and friends in Scotland frequently. They would bring back gifts for us. This tablecloth was one of them. Another thing they brought back for us were giant fat pepperment sticks.

On our table we had a few chicks that were checking things out.

A pretty fragrant lilly and

dishes that used to be my grandma's.

My other grandma used to color her Easter eggs by boiling them with onion skins so I did the same this year.

We served a lot of bread along with the

traditional butter lamb.

Plenty of ham and for dessert

tiramisu!

I hope your Easter was happy in so many ways.

Have a blessed Easter!

~amy

It was Septemeber 13, 1944 on the USS Warrington

2010-03-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday when we went to New York to see my daughter perform at Carnegie Hall....we also had somewhere else to visit that was long over do.

We took my mom to Battery Park to see the memorial for the soilders that drowned and who were never recovered in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean during WWII.

Two days out of Norfolk, along the Florida coast, a navy destroyer named the USS Warrington received word that she was steaming directly into a hurricane. Later that evening, the storm forced the destroyer to heave. Keeping wind and sea on her port bow, Warrington rode relatively well through most of the night. Wind and seas, however, continued to build during the early morning hours of September 13th 1944. Warrington began to lose headway and, as a result, started to ship water through the vents to her engineering spaces.

The water rushing into her vents caused a loss of electrical power which set off a chain reaction. Her main engines lost power, and her steering engine and mechanism went out. She wallowed there in the trough of the swells, continuing to ship water. She regained headway briefly and turned upwind, while her radiomen desperately, but fruitlessly, tried to contact another nearby vessel. Finally, she resorted to a plain-language distress call to any ship or shore station. By noon on the 13th, it was apparent that Warrington's crewmen could not win the struggle to save their ship, and the order went out to prepare to abandon ship. By 12:50, her crew had left Warrington; and she went down almost immediately. A prolonged search by 10 other vessels rescued only five officers and 68 men of the destroyer's 20 officers and 301 men.

My mother's brother...Chief Storekeeper USNR Edward John Labuda was one of the men lost at sea. He had just been home on leave prior to returning to duty.

The memorial says....

My mother looking at her brother's name engraved in stone for the first time.

La Buda Edward J.

His name on the wall faces the Statue of Liberty and

.....Ellis Island. The same port where his father entered the United States as an immigrant years before.

I'll be linking to A Southern Daydreamer hosted by Susan.

Interested to know what we've been up to?

2010-03-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

We traveled to New York on Wednesday for a very special event.

My daughter is in Penn State's Philharmonic.

Here she is excited as can be!

She played her violin in the President's Concert....

at Carnegie Hall!!!

Going Back

2010-03-15T04:49:00.000-07:00

In my early twenties...I left home for the first time to live on my own. I had just graduated from college and I had gotten a job as a flight attendant for a new start up airline called 'Best Airlines'. 'Best Airlines' had a total of two planes. One plane flew trips around the Northeast and the other plane flew trips in the Southeast. I headed down to beautiful Roanoke, VA to fly the plane that flew the Southeast route. Now...for most young people moving to a quaint little southern town right out of college probably wouldn't be their first choice. I couldn't have been more tickled to move there. I grew up in Niagara Falls, NY and moving to where the temperatures were much milder seemed like a welcoming change. In Niagara Falls we had our share of BIG lake effect snow. Virginia seemed a world away from it all and I would be living down south where people had that southern drawl and things were slower. It was very exciting to me. Unfortunately...my stay there was cut short because 'Best Airline' decided to cease their southern route and fly both of their planes up in the Northeast. So off I moved to Hartford, CT but that's another story.

27 years later last week...my husband and I stopped in Roanoke, VA unexpectedly on our way back home from Charlotte, NC. It truly was coming full circle for me.

Entering the city....the star was still perched up in the mountains. Roanoke is nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. I was glad to see the star still there. Seeing that landmark then and now was heartwarming.

As a young woman living in Roanoke...I searched for a Catholic church to visit. If I'm not mistaken there was only one Catholic church in the city back then? At the time...I found that so strange because growing up in Niagara Falls... it seemed like we had a Catholic church on every other street corner. I thought it was a beautiful church back then and I still do. It was nice seeing it again.

We found this beauty of a hotel and decided to stay at it. Welcome to Hotel Roanoke!

From the lobby looking out the weather couldn't have been more lovely this time of year and for us northerners it was delightful.

The hotel was built in 1882 closed in 1989 and reopened in 1995. It originally had 34 rooms and now has 384 rooms. It was bought by Hilton and is now a Double Tree property. It is still referred to as the Hotel Roanoke. They've newly renovated it and kept its original beloved character. It is registered as a historical landmark but does not feel tired in the least.

It's all in the detail.

The red coats and blue coats. History is being told here.

I enjoyed looking at the different light fixtures and here are a few I found at Hotel Roanoke.

This light fixture was above our bathroom sink in our hotel room.

This rustic fixture we found in the 'Pine Room' in the hotel pub.

Here is one of the hallway light fixtures.

In the lobby the painting of the sky on the ceiling was lovely.

This light fixture hangs near the reception desk. It's there to welcome guests from around the world.

A short walk from the hotel was a wonderful farmers market.

Some of the historic architecture that is abundant downtown.

I didn't find out what this was a sculpture of but it was quite special. It's made out of a glass mosaic and it was a sight to see when the sun glistened on it.

Well that was a little blast from my past and I hope you enjoyed your visit to Roanoke, VA. It was heartwarming for me to go back and I know when we pass through again in the future...we'll make it a point to stay at Hotel Roanoke.

~amy

I'll be linking to A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday and to Vintage Thingy Thursday hosted by Suzanne at Colorado Lady.

Pink Sidewalks

2010-03-02T04:13:00.000-08:00

After the brutal winter we've been experiencing this year...I'm anticipating that the cold, grey and fierce wind gusts will give way to sunshine, warmth and an abundant of colors.

This is one of my favorite images. It speaks to me on so many different levels. When I look at this picture...I feel a sense of serenity, new beginings and hope. I imagine that this is what the sidewalks of heaven look like.

~amy

So what to do with an old planter?

2010-02-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

I added a flower, buttons and

some pretty pins to it. I made a pin cushion.

The Calm Before The Storm

2010-02-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning they were predicting another snow storm starting later in the day continuing into today and I thought I'd snap a picture of the calm before

today's storm!

What can I say? Here we go round two! Stay warm and I'll be cooking up another batch of hot soup today. ~amy

Impulsive Buying

2010-02-04T05:33:00.000-08:00

I'll be linking to Vintage Thingy Thursday hosted by Suzanne at Colorado Lady.

While walking with my friend Joan last year...we stopped by a store that sold antique lamps and chandeliers. I saw these miniture oil lamps and thought they were SO cute and I impulsively bought them. Actually...now that I have them I really don't know what to do with them. I hate when that happens! See how I have them bunched up in a group off to the side on the bottom shelf of my cabinet? They range in size from just under 5" to 8" tall. I'm assuming they were originally used for night lights? If anyone has an idea of what they were used for I'd love to know? Any ideas how I can display them?

Which Way Are The Slopes?

2010-01-27T12:38:00.000-08:00

I'll be linking to Vintage Thingy Thursday hosted by Suzanne at Colorado Lady.

In keeping with the spirit of winter. I would like to show you my pick for this weeks Vintage Thingy Thursday.

I bought these ceramic skiers a few years back. I thought they were sweet. They're both planters but I couldn't imagine where you would put the plant? The planter is so small in the back. Nonetheless...I really like their detail and colors.

Picture Show

2010-01-25T06:32:00.000-08:00

I was working up in my work room yesterday and the sun was setting. I couldn't help but notice the silhouette on the wall from the suns reflection. So peaceful and warm in the midst of winter. A picture show.

The Adirondack's...We Had A Wonderful Time At The Dartbrook Lodge

2010-01-10T04:07:00.000-08:00

Thank you Susan from A Southern Daydreamer for hosting another fun Outdoor Wednesday.

I would like to share with you an earlier post. I posted this in June...before I had the pleasure of participating in Outdoor Wednesday's.

Please schroll down and read about one of our visit's to Keene, NY and our stay at the Dartbrook Lodge.

On the babbling brook in Keene, NY is the Dartbrook Lodge...

Posted on 6/22/09

Hello! I hope your last week was lovely! We had a great trip up in the North Country. The Dartbrook Lodge in Keene, NY is where we spent the bulk of our nights. I can't get enough of this lodge. It's rustic. The staff is gracious and the grounds and decor are beautiful with wild flowers amongst the pine and birch trees. From the property you can see the Adirondack high peaks and hear a babbling brook. Yes...there really is a brook at Dartbrook Lodge! Please enjoy the pictures below of the main lodge and its porch. I hope you can see through the pictures how special this property is. It's like stepping back in time except with all of the amenities of today. Craftsmanship at its best. Tomorrow I'll show you pictures of the inside of the cottage we stayed in and some of the other cottage's that they let me peak inside. I hope you enjoy a warm and sunny summer day! ~amy

An outside view of the main lodge.

Notice the bark siding.

Plenty of places to sit, relax, read a book and just take it all in.

Pretty lamp on the reception desk in the main lodge.

The front of the reception desk. Look at all of those twigs.

Bench in the reception area.

These stars hanging from the porch ceiling light up at night. They were so pretty!

Checkers anyone?

Some more rustic furniture on the porch. These were big rocking chairs.

If you're interested in seeing the inside of the cottages I posted earlier of the Dartbrook lodge...please follow these links...

Inside Dartbrook Lodge 6/23/09
&
Inside Dartbrook Lodge 6/24/09

The High Peaks Timberloft....Keene, NY

2010-01-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

Thank you Susan from A Southern Daydreamer for hosting another fun Outdoor Wednesday!

Nestled in the Mountains up in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks...

14 miles from Lake Placid, NY....

Off of route 73....

Near the bakery....

Across from the church.....

On the Ausable River.....

Is the Timberloft. Won't you come in for a spell?

Sit...relax...play a board game...read a book

and look at the pretties.

Special touches like this make all the difference....don't you agree?

There's a comfy bed up in the loft and below.

The kitchen in the Timberloft is well equipped and functional. You can prepare anything from a light snack to a full meal. The option is yours. More fresh flowers on the island.

Lighting up the wood stove on a cool autumn night or after a day at the slopes is warm and inviting.

The bathroom has it's own little outhouse (plumbed of course) and the windows over look the river.

Another view of the kitchen.

Two charming windows up in the loft overlooking the woods and river. The rustling of the leaves and the sound of the water flowing is relaxing and music to my ears.

I hope you've enjoyed your tour of the Timberloft. Please stop by if you're ever up in Keene, NY. I'm sure Hannah and Scott would love to have you visit. We enjoy our visits for sure. They're wonderful hosts. ~amy